Most relievers who are moved at the trade deadline land on teams that are solidifying their rosters for a postseason run. When the Cubs were rebuilding, they seized on that market demand by signing bounce-back candidates to one-year deals and trading them for prospects after a successful first half. This year, the Yankees targeted former Cubs right-hander Mark Leiter Jr.
, who is under team control through 2026, to help during a tight battle for the American League East and beyond. Right-hander Nate Pearson walked into a rare situation with the Cubs. “From the first conversation I had with the staff here, they’re like, ‘Look, we got you midway through the season, but we’re not expecting you to be a hero and come in and take over,’” Pearson said in a conversation with the Sun-Times.
“‘We’ve got you for the next two years after this. We want you to just finish strong, be an open book, see what you can learn, and then focus on going into the offseason and getting ready for next year.’” Patience is a luxury the Cubs gained with a disappointing first half of the season.
They entered Monday, opening a three-game series against the Twins, six games out of the final wild-card spot. The players aren’t giving up on the season . But president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer acquired players under team control in the coming years knowing that the team’s 2024 playoff chances were slim.
If the Cubs don’t make the postseason, Pearson’s development could be one.